Purpose -The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of mediated power asymmetry on relational risk perception and modes of governance mechanism (intention-based trust and unilateral control). Design/methodology/approach -Survey research was conducted to collect data from 112 new product development (NPD) relationships and structural equation modeling was conducted to test the hypotheses. Findings -The results suggest that benefiting from mediated power asymmetries by a firm is positively related to the relational risk perceived by its partner firm. This perception influences intention-based trust to partner firm negatively and exercising of unilateral control positively. It was also found that the relationship between mediated power asymmetry and governance modes is mediated by relational risk perception. Originality/value -This paper enhances the understanding of NPD relationships by examining the key mechanisms through which governance decision modes are influenced. In particular, the paper shows how mediated power asymmetries through affecting relational risk perception influence two governance modes including intention-based trust and unilateral control.

No abstract

PurposeThe objective of this paper is to develop a model for planning and establishment of knowledge management (KM) strategy in one of the Iranian Sub‐stream Aerospace Industries Organization to improve company's performance.Design/methodology/approachThis research tries to use multi‐method approach by integrating balanced score card, which is a renowned strategic management approach, and Nonaka and colleagues' knowledge creation process (socialization, externalization, combination, and internalization model), which is a well‐known knowledge creation and conversion model, being adopted as the foundations of strategic knowledge management model (SKMM).FindingsThe analytical approach identifies eight issues as critical success factors of the knowledge strategy map in this case study. The overall results from the case study are positive as well, thus reflecting the appropriateness of the suggested SKMM model.Research limitations/implicationsSKMM can be used to help forward the plan, establishment and evaluation of KM strategies and initiatives. This helps to ensure that the essential issues are covered during design and implementation phases of KM strategies.Originality/valueThis paper further provides an integrated perspective of KM metrics in high‐tech industries including the aerospace industry. It gives valuable information and guidelines that hopefully will help leaders to consider important issues during performance measurement of KM strategies in organizations.

PurposeThis paper aims to discuss the essential issues of knowledge management adoption, in order to establish a knowledge management program in Iran Aerospace Industries Organization (AIO).Design/methodology/approachThis paper has identified critical factors of knowledge management through Iran AIOs based on a comprehensive review of recent literature. For this purpose, a questionnaire was designed, applied and then analyzed by some statistical methods. The results discussed various perspectives from the knowledge management point of view, and provided some critical factors and a regression model for showing essential issues of subject.FindingsThe statistical analysis determined eight factors as critical issues in this large‐scale case study. These factors are “team working and KM features,” “leadership and commitment of CEO,” “appropriate organizational infrastructure,” “pilot, benchmarking and KM systems,” “job enrichment and security,” “culture, change management and strategy,” “collaborative and flexible organization” and “training and learning.” The overall results from the case study were positive as well, thus reflecting the appropriateness of the suggested regression model.Research limitations/implicationsThe extracted factors can act as a guideline for KM adoption in the organizations. This helps to ensure that the essential issues are covered during design and implementation phase of KM program. For academics, it provides a common language to discuss and study the factors crucial for knowledge management.Originality/valueThe paper may present high value to researchers in the knowledge management field and to practitioners involved with KM program in the organizations. This study further provides an integrated perspective of critical issues for KM adoption in the high‐tech industries including the aerospace industry. It gives valuable information and guidelines that hopefully will help the leaders to consider the important issues during knowledge management establishment in the organization.

Purpose-Inter-organizational arrangements are increasingly playing an important role in new product development (NPD). This article aims to investigate the links among power, risk, and governance in these kinds of relationships. Design/methodology/approach-The authors investigated the links based on the data collected from 112 respondents representing 112 different NPD relationships. Findings-The results of structural equation modeling revealed that, in the situation where coercive power is imbalanced between partner firms, the weaker partner perceives relational risk while imbalances in non-coercive power do not influence relational risk perception significantly. The results also showed that relational risk perception is strongly associated with governance modes in such a way that negatively influences trust and the norm of information sharing, and positively affects vertical control, respectively. Further investigations revealed that the influence of power bases on governance modes was mediated through the relational risk perception. Originality/value-This article contributes to a better appreciation of the factors that account for important determinants of opportunistic behavior of partner firms (i.e. power asymmetries) and governance modes that are available for companies in order to impede relational risks.